Taco Bell to open new restaurants along M4 and M5 corridor, creating 600 jobs

The US fast-food chain sells Mexican-inspired dishes and is known for its tacos and burritos

US fast-food restaurant Taco Bell is set to open a number of outlets in the West of England, Wales and the Midlands. Franchise operator Campana has secured an eight-figure funding package which will be used to establish the new branches, with six sites due to open across the cross-border region in the coming months.

Part of the SYMBRO Group, Campana currently operates 23 Taco Bell locations in South West England, Wales and the Midlands.

It is understood the business plans to open around 12 new restaurants a year, building a portfolio of more than 50 Taco Bell sites in the UK by 2029.

The next phase of growth will focus on further locations in Wales, the South West, along the M4 and M5 corridors, plus further expansion in and around the Midlands.

The £20m investment programme is expected to create around 600 jobs and increase revenue by between 50 and 60 per cent as the business continues to expand.

David Morgan, finance director at Campana, said: “Since opening our first Taco Bell six years ago, and with every additional new restaurant opening since, we’ve consistently seen strong demand for this much-loved brand, bringing craveable, Mexican-inspired flavours and unbeatable value to a new generation of UK consumers.”

The company secured the latest finance package from HSBC UK. It is understood the lender also provided Campana with a revolving credit facility, giving the business access to capital as new locations are secured and construction and fit-outs get under way.

Paul Lane, relationship director at HSBC UK, added: “Campana has built a strong Taco Bell franchise business since opening its first location, and its ambitious rollout plans highlight the opportunity within the UK’s hospitality sector, despite ongoing pressures.

“The quick-service restaurant market continues to show resilience, with franchising offering a scalable and effective route to growth. Against this backdrop, the business’ clear expansion strategy and proven track record made a compelling case to support this significant funding package and its next phase of growth.”

SYMBRO Group currently owns and operates 60 QSR franchises across the UK and the Netherlands, including Taco Bell, Subway and Starbucks.